Russian Roulette Michael McFaul on Trump, Putin, and Autocrats vs. Democrats
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Sep 22, 2025 Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia and Stanford political science professor, shares insights from his book, 'Autocrats vs. Democrats.' He discusses Russia's diminishing influence in the Middle East and contrasts its approach to that of China. McFaul critiques the Trump administration's Russia strategy, advocating for a blend of diplomacy and sanctions. He also explores societal divisions in Russia, emphasizing the broader accountability for the war beyond just Putin. A compelling dive into the nuances of U.S.-Russia relations!
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Russia's Soft Power Paradox
- Russia's state-to-state influence has declined in many regions, but its ideological influence in Europe and the United States has grown.
- McFaul warns Putinism's export of illiberal nationalism is a potent long-term threat to democracies.
Capabilities Versus Intentions
- China has far greater capabilities than Russia across economics and military metrics.
- McFaul argues Putin is more revisionist and willing to use force to change international norms than Xi.
Pair Diplomacy With Coercion
- Combine engagement with coercion when negotiating with revisionist autocrats rather than relying on inducements alone.
- McFaul recommends adding coercive tools like sanctions and weapons if diplomacy fails to produce results.
